The Western White House: How a ski resort became a political seat
In short: In the mid-1970s, the halls of power shifted from Washington D.C. to the snowy peaks of Colorado. President Gerald Ford famously conducted much of the nation's business from a mountain hotel, turning a burgeoning ski destination into a high-altitude hub for national governance.
Vail's identity is rooted in the post-WWII experiences of Pete Seibert, a New England native who served in the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division. While training at Camp Hale—located just 14 miles south of the town—Seibert bivouacked on Vail Mountain and recognized its potential as a premier ski destination. After being wounded in Italy during the Battle of Riva Ridge, Seibert returned to Colorado to establish the resort in 1962, eventually leading to the town's incorporation in 1966.
The resort's rapid ascent was fueled by early strategic moves. Seibert partnered with local rancher Earl Eaton and secured funding from Colorado investors. Notably, Rod Slifer, recruited as an assistant ski school director from Aspen, served as the area's first real estate broker. Slifer eventually facilitated the transaction that allowed Vail to acquire the ranch now known as the world-famous Beaver Creek. By 1969, Vail had already secured its position as the state's most popular ski resort.
The town's prestige reached a political zenith in the mid-1970s when it earned the nickname 'the Western White House.' President Gerald Ford utilized The Lodge at Vail as a primary base for national business, drawing heavy media coverage to the mountain slopes. Today, while the economy remains tourism-centric, Vail faces a modern paradox: it is one of Colorado's most expensive housing markets, with a median house price exceeding $1 million and a significant deficit of approximately 6,000 beds for the county's workforce.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Vail, Colorado
- Also: Wikidata — Vail · CC0
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